Deadwood Dick Library Vol. 2 #21 (1899), “Deadwood Dick’s Device,” is a highest-graded census example of one of the most important dime novel series ever published. Written by Edward L. Wheeler, this series helped define the archetype of the American action hero decades before comic books existed.

Graded CGC 8.5 Very Fine+, this copy sits at the top of the CGC census, an extraordinary distinction for a publication printed on low-quality paper over 125 years ago. The survival rate of dime novels in this grade range is extremely low, making this copy not just rare—but condition elite.

The cover art remains crisp and highly presentable, with strong color and detail, embodying the adventurous spirit of frontier storytelling. As collectors increasingly recognize dime novels as the true precursors to comics, highest-graded examples have begun to command significant premiums.